The David Emanuel Academy Eagles traveled to Valdosta on Friday night to take on the Georgia Christian School Generals. After a competitive first quarter, the Eagles were unable to overcome a series of costly mistakes and fell 60–26, marking their second consecutive loss.
The night started with promise for DEA. On the first play from scrimmage, John-Nathan Martin forced a fumble that was recovered by Robert Reynolds, setting the Eagles up at their own 39-yard line. Just two plays later, quarterback Richard Braddy sprinted 59 yards for a touchdown to give DEA an early 6–0 lead after the failed two-point conversion.
Georgia Christian answered quickly with a 50-yard touchdown pass, tying the game 6–6. On the ensuing kickoff, a DEA fumble gave the Generals possession deep in Eagle territory, but the defense stood strong and stopped them on fourth down. However, on the very next play, the Eagles fumbled again, and Georgia Christian capitalized to take their first lead of the night.
After another turnover and defensive stand, DEA put together a nine-play drive capped off by a 23-yard touchdown run from Martin, tying the score at 12–12. Midway through the second quarter, the teams traded scores again, including a 39-yard reception by Tucker Free, keeping things knotted at 18–18 in what appeared to be a potential shootout.
But momentum shifted sharply late in the half. Braddy’s pass intended for Ben Griner was intercepted and returned for a touchdown, and another pick-six moments later gave Georgia Christian a 32–18 halftime advantage.
The Generals carried that momentum into the second half, extending their lead as the Eagles’ offensive struggles continued. Georgia Christian eventually pushed the score to 60–18 before DEA added a late touchdown — a 77-yard pass from Robert Reynolds to Hudson Starley — to make the final 60–26.
Junior Tucker Free was named Most Valuable Player, while sophomore Hudson Starley earned Offensive Player of the Game honors. Senior John-Nathan Martin was recognized as Defensive Player of the Game, junior Paxton Dixon received Lineman of the Game, sophomore Hayden Powell was named Special Teams Player of the Game, and sophomore Mason Boatright earned Practice Player of the Week.
The loss dropped DEA to 5–4 overall (3–4 region), while Georgia Christian improved to 6–2 (5–2 region).
Coach T.C. Guyer reflected on the loss, saying, “Hats off to Georgia Christian tonight. They were able to capitalize on mistakes that we made and took control of this game. We shot ourselves in the foot for most of the night and were unable to overcome those mistakes. I’m still proud of these boys and proud to be their coach, but tonight we just didn’t have it. We’re banged up, and this bye week has come at the right time. We’ll rest up and get ready for a playoff push.”
The Eagles have a bye this week before closing out the 2025 regular season on October 24 in Augusta against the Augusta Eagles, a home-school program from the SIFA league. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Episcopal Day School (1337 Flowing Wells Road, Augusta).
